Studio Ghibli, the acclaimed animation studio behind classics such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, officially opened its long-awaited Ghibli Park in November 2022. Situated in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute near Nagoya, Japan, the park spans 7.1 hectares and is designed to immerse visitors in the enchanting worlds of its iconic films.
The theme park features five distinct themed areas inspired by Studio Ghibli’s celebrated works: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, Hill of Youth, and Valley of Witches. Each zone offers a unique experience, reflecting the studio’s dedication to blending storytelling with natural surroundings rather than conventional thrill rides.
Development and Opening Timeline
Announced in 2017, Ghibli Park was initially slated to open in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction resumed in 2020 with a groundbreaking ceremony that summer, attended by Aichi Governor Hideaki Ōmura and Studio Ghibli Chairman Kiyofumi Nakajima. The park officially welcomed visitors with three areas open at launch: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Dondoko Forest, and Hill of Youth. Subsequent expansions introduced Mononoke Village in November 2023 and Valley of Witches in March 2024.
Governor Ōmura noted the project took over five years to complete, emphasizing the intention to preserve Studio Ghibli’s artistic legacy. Goro Miyazaki, co-founder and son of Hayao Miyazaki, highlighted that the park was conceptualized before his father’s temporary retirement, underscoring the studio’s commitment to ensuring the films remain culturally resonant.
Park Features and Attractions
Ghibli Park is distinct from typical amusement parks, forgoing thrill rides and roller coasters in favor of tranquil, immersive environments that reflect the studio’s reverence for nature and storytelling. The park includes:
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse: An indoor facility with a small cinema screening exclusive short films, shops, cafés, playgrounds, and exhibits such as the iconic train from Spirited Away where visitors can pose beside No-Face.
Dondoko Forest: Centered around a life-size replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro, the surrounding area recreates the rural landscapes of the film.
Mononoke Village: Inspired by Princess Mononoke, this area features recreations of Irontown’s historic architecture and sculptures of mystical creatures including the boar god Lord Okkoto.
Hill of Youth: Based on Howl’s Moving Castle, this section includes a giant elevator offering elevated views, a gift shop from Whisper of the Heart, and nods to The Cat Returns.
Valley of Witches: The newest addition, inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle, featuring a life-size but stationary version of Howl’s Moving Castle, an amusement park-style carousel, and recreations of Kiki’s bakery and other film locales.
Visitors navigate the park using electric Catbus vehicles modeled after the beloved character from My Neighbor Totoro. These eco-friendly transports operate throughout the park, enhancing accessibility while maintaining the park’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Location and Environmental Philosophy
Built on land formerly used for the 2005 World Expo, the park preserves natural landscapes integral to the Studio Ghibli aesthetic. Construction minimized environmental impact, with no trees cut down to make way for attractions. The park emphasizes a harmonious coexistence with nature, reflected in its design and visitor experience policies, including limited daily attendance per themed area.
Economic Impact and Visitor Information
Ghibli Park is projected to generate an annual economic impact of approximately $324 million and attract around 1.8 million visitors annually. Ticket pricing varies for domestic and international guests, with options ranging from full-access passes to individual land entries. Compared to larger amusement parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, Ghibli Park offers a more intimate and contemplative experience focused on storytelling and atmosphere rather than high-adrenaline entertainment.
Cultural Promotion and Legacy
Ahead of the park’s opening, the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art hosted an exhibit showcasing artifacts and previews from the park alongside Studio Ghibli’s 35-year history. Additionally, promotional videos directed and storyboarded by Hayao Miyazaki introduced audiences to the park’s immersive vision.
By blending art, nature, and nostalgia, Ghibli Park stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Studio Ghibli’s films and their cultural significance in Japan and worldwide.
